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Listening to The Archers lately (it's something you do by accident) I've come to the conclusion that I can't tell the difference between the new Tom Archer and one of the other nondescript characters (Charlie Somebodyorother).

I am concerned that the 'real' Tom Archer should not be so easily replaced with an inferior copy. Please could everyone check for differences at future tastings.

It was Tony Archer who really threw me. Especially odd that Pat didn't notice. How come, despite the fact that I never listen to the Archers that I always know roughly what's going on? They must put something in the water.

Because it's the Archers. It's part of who we are, like nuns cycling across a village green or jam roly-poly. It doesn't need a 'plot' per se because we are its plot. It scripts us. This is what the new programme bods don't get, hence adding in 'events' to 'make it interesting'. If I wanted interesting I'd go elsewhere.

(I've always wondered, incidentally, why John Major's vision of Englishness had that peculiarly Anglo-Catholic twist to it.)

Talking of moments of Englishness; my Englishness moment was the face Derek had on wearing that tie in the lobby of the O&C. It was a...tie. Derek did it justice.

I have been wondering how I could shoehorn the tie into these pages for sometime. In the end I just thought; do it.

Derek, the settled Scot, the vision of multicultural England. Yes. In that tie, which reminded me of the British Airways tailfins that Thatch felt compelled to cover with a hanky. Yes. Yes. Clearly.

djewesbury wrote:Derek, the settled Scot, the vision of multicultural England. Yes. In that tie, which reminded me of the British Airways tailfins that Thatch felt compelled to cover with a hanky. Yes. Yes. Clearly.

I was thinking of the uncomprehending immigrant, downcast and surly before inexplicable rules apparently designed for his discomfiture as he stands in the mighty portico wondering if what lies beyond is worth it.

I like your version.

Nice tie though. Didn't he look distinguished in it? You see, not many people could make a tie like that work but Derek aced it. Did they let him take it home?

They begged him. Said he has to wear it any time he wants to go back.

For me it seemed to capture a moment, zeitgeist, that sort of thing.

Still, I shall look forward to seeing it again.

Okay, girls, you have had your fun.

Is there really a Tom Archer in the Archers?

DRT wrote:Is there really a Tom Archer in the Archers?

Yes there is.

DRT wrote:Okay, girls, you have had your fun.

Not quite.

You did look good though. Didn't seem pleased somehow.

LGTrotter wrote:You did look good though. Didn't seem pleased somehow.

I wasn't disappointed in the tie, or in being asked to wear it. My displeasure was directed at my own stupidity - the only man who asked what the dress code was and the only one who failed to understand the answer to the question. Hey ho.

I was under the impression that you'd done it on purpose!

djewesbury wrote:I was under the impression that you'd done it on purpose!

Erm? Yes. That's what I did. Hilarious I thought. Well done me.

DRT wrote:

djewesbury wrote:I was under the impression that you'd done it on purpose!

Erm? Yes. That's what I did. Hilarious I thought. Well done me.

“It has never been hard to tell the difference between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine.” PG Wodehouse.

LGTrotter wrote:

DRT wrote:

djewesbury wrote:I was under the impression that you'd done it on purpose!

Erm? Yes. That's what I did. Hilarious I thought. Well done me.

“It has never been hard to tell the difference between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine.” PG Wodehouse.

I suppose that's at least worth a Scottish LOL...